US should ratify UNCLOS to enable the offshore wind energy industry to flourish

The benefits UNCLOS could provide to securing offshore wind energy interests is a reason to favor U.S. ratification. UNCLOS would protect the United States’ alternative energy interests within the EEZ and continental shelf.¹⁴⁸ Wind energy is a resource that is explicitly recognized as enjoying exclusive protection within the EEZ.¹⁴⁹ UNCLOS also provides protections for wind turbine installations within the EEZ and continental shelf.¹⁵⁰ Furthermore, should there be a dispute between the United States and another country involving wind energy and the law of the sea, there is an established tribunal that will have jurisdiction to hear the dispute.¹⁵¹ Additionally, part XI of UNCLOS is no longer an obstacle to the United States.¹⁵² In light of the benefits it would provide to the development of offshore wind power by securing U.S. interests, the United States should ratify UNCLOS.¹⁵³